Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has publicly criticized the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad for signing Pakistani leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed. In comments reported by Indian media on March 17, 2026, Gavaskar linked the signing to the deaths of Indian citizens in past terrorist attacks, stating such moves were inappropriate.
Gavaskar's remarks referenced the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were carried out by militants from Pakistan. He questioned the decision to engage a Pakistani player while memories of such events remain fresh for many Indians. The comments have sparked debate within the cricketing community about the intersection of sports and politics.
As of March 18, 2026, there has been no official confirmation from the IPL or Sunrisers Hyderabad regarding the signing of Abrar Ahmed. Pakistani players have not participated in the IPL since 2008 due to longstanding political tensions between the two nations. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has maintained its stance of not allowing Pakistani players in the league.
The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of India-Pakistan relations in sports. Gavaskar's intervention has brought the issue back into public discourse, though the factual status of the signing itself remains unverified by the league's governing bodies.
